Vernier

Vernier has been producing data logging solutions for schools for over 30 years. Formed in 1950 by David Vernier, a physics teacher at the time in his garage, its sole purpose was to make a simple device for capturing data rapidly and accurately for students of physics. This timing mechanism was the first of its kind in the world and was to become the pre-cursor for a revolution in science teaching some 30 years later. Today there are over 80 different sensors students can use ranging from measure heart rate to gas chromatography.

Today, Vernier is the world leader in data logging in schools and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The company is still staffed by retired teachers, teachers on sabbatical, teachers who have changed careers to work full time in Vernier developing and support the products.

Data logging solutions

Vernier is a world-class manufacturer of data logging solutions for secondary schools across the globe. The nexus of its product range is the data logger and graphical analysis software supported by over 80 different sensors. the LabQuest 2 (hand held data logger) is designed to make science intuitive and experiments easy to follow and fun to do. With clear, unambiguous displays, the LabQuest has been shown in academic studies to not only enthuse students, but encourage them to pursue science as a career.

Vernier's philosophy is connected science; connection between teacher and students and students themselves. Therefore the pedagogical solution proposed to FutureLab is one that allows student share in the experimental data through connection directly with LabQuest, or each other. LabQuest can be connected to the school's own LAN or it can produce its own WIFI through its built in router. From this data can be streamed to any smart device in the classroom (both IOS and Android).

Vernier builds on constructivist and inquiry based learning and moves away from the traditional transmission of learning approach. Students are given ownership of their own or shared data and put at the centre of the learning process, hence they are given the power over their own learning and guided through the cognitive process of conceptualisation and understanding in their own way, and at their pace. The rapid collection and collation of data gives the teacher more time to spend analysing and explaining what the data means, and less time taken up drawing graphs. The pedagogical benefits also extend to the accuracy and speed of data collection, allowing experiments to be conducted in a time frame that captures and maintains the interest of the students.

Further information

LoggerPro -Logger Pro is award-winning, data-collection and analysis software for Windows and Mac computers. The software can be used with, or without, sensors. Data can also be collected and analysed through importation of video content. Some additional features are:

Lay out graphs, tables, and text as needed across multiple pages to describe your experiment.

Read values and slope from graphs using examine and tangent line tools.

Print graphs and data tables.

Graphical Analysis™ for iPad®, iPhone®, iPod (Free!) - Students can use the free app, Graphical Analysis to wirelessly collect, analyze, and share sensor data in science and math classrooms. Graphical Analysis facilitates student understanding with real-time graphs of experimental data. Students enhance their work and lab reports with easy annotations, statistics, and curve fits. Manual Data Entry - Graphical Analysis can also graph manually-entered data, with access to the same analysis and annotation tools used for sensor-based data collection.

1-to-1 Learning - Using Data Sharing, each student receives an individual copy of the data for analysis. Students annotate the data, perform curve fits, and make statistical calculations to build evidence of understanding. Learners tap, drag, pinch, and stretch to examine and analyze graphs in an immersive multi-touch environment.

Graphical Analysis automatically saves data and annotations within the app so students can view and analyze data after class or at home. Students can create a lab report or submit data to the teacher via email, camera roll, print function, and even third-party apps for notes and reports.

Video Physics is perfect for science students and instructors. Perform on-the-go analysis of interesting motion. Measure the velocity of a child's swing, a roller-coaster, or a car. Or, take a video of a basketball free throw shot. Video Physics will display the path of the ball.

Support

Vernier video training library. An extensive library of video resources using the Vernier product for a host of different applications and experiments. The teacher can sort by subject, or product. All videos are downloadable so that they can be viewed off line.

Software download. In this area free updates and downloads for popular programmes are provided. Teachers are able to update their hardware and software free of charge (there are certain restrictions for LoggerPro). Teachers can find here over 400 sample experiments to review together with support manuals and user guides.

Support Area. A dedicated support area for teachers who need advice or are simply troubleshooting problems. This area contains an extensive repository of helpful advice and issues that have arisen over the years. There is often helpful advice on how to use the equipment for experiments that may not be a commonly used application.

Contact

Rethinking teaching and learning

The Future Classroom Lab is created by European Schoolnet, its supporting 30 ministries and industry partners to help visualise how conventional classrooms and other learning spaces can be easily reorganised to support changing styles of teaching and learning.